Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Resumes At the Federal High Court Abuja– Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed IndigenousPeople of Biafra (Ipob), will appear before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court Abuja this Wednesday. The proceedings, initially scheduled for 9 am, will now commence at 12 pm, according to the court’s schedule. Kanu is facing a seven-count charge related to terrorism and affiliation with an unlawful organization, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
Today, the federal government is expected to call its first witnesses in the case. In April 2022, the Federal High Court issued new guidelines for the Kanu trial, including the non-disclosure of identities and contact details of victims and witnesses for their safety.
During the last hearing on March 19, Justice Nyako denied Kanu’s bail application and rejected his transfer to the Kuje correctional facility from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS). Kanu complained of poor treatment by the DSS, inadequate medical care, and monitoring of his conversations with his lawyers. Despite Kanu’s pleas, Justice Nyako ruled to keep him where she deemed safer, citing previous terrorism suspect escapes from Kuje.
Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, also criticized the DSS for inhumane treatment and restricted access during visits. Justice Nyako instructed Kanu’s lawyers to file formal complaints if the DSS fails to comply with her orders to treat Kanu well.
The case began in 2015 when the Nigerian government arrested Kanu for advocating the secession of Biafra and inciting violence. Kanu was detained for over a year before being granted bail based on his health condition. However, he fled Nigeria after a military raid on his home in 2017 and continued his activities from London, including broadcasts on Radio Biafra and the establishment of the ‘Eastern Security Network’ (ESN).
Kanu was rearrested in Kenya in June 2021 and brought back to Nigeria. Although initially facing 15 charges, eight were struck out by the court. While the Court of Appeal cleared Kanu of all charges, the Supreme Court nullified the judgment, mandating Kanu to face trial.
As Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial continues we are hoping that the court would have a speedy trial and release.
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